Avalanche Safety

Avalanche Safety

Backcountry terrain is neither patrolled nor controlled by professionals, so if you’re planning on going ‘out back’ or beyond the ski area boundary, it’s important to be well trained in avalanche safety and search and rescue techniques at all times of the year. This is equally important for alpine trampers and hunters who may be in avalanche prone regions.

#KnowBeforeYouSnow

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The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA)

The New Zealand's Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) is provided for anyone planning on travelling in the New Zealand backcountry alpine areas.

Please note that avalanche forecasts are supplied by the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and are intended as an advisory only. NZAA and MSC recommend checking the mountain weather forecast provided by MetService as part of your trip planning.

What makes avalanches so dangerous?

Within seconds of an avalanche being triggered, multiple tonnes of snow can travel down a slope at over 100km an hour. This immense force of nature is extremely dangerous so it is vital for you know how to mitigate the risks in avalanche prone areas.

Find Your Space

Protect Yourself

Key Resources

Videos

YouTube

MSC worked with Epic TV to produce a five part avalanche safety series. Watch the whole series HERE. The video series is designed to be a short beginners guide about avalanche risk, and some basic techniques. Please note: This video series is NOT designed to be a complete training course – we strongly recommend you get training and learn from the experts. Please visit the courses page for more details

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory

www.avalanche.net.nz is fantastic for getting the most recent information on avalanche risk levels at popular mountains around the country. If you are heading into the backcountry and alpine terrain, check here first. And remember, avalanches happen in summer too.

Learn about effective forms of communications to take

Avalanche transceivers are an essential item to take in avalanche prone areas. - Read about them here.

Read more about your desired activity

Whether you ski, board, tramp or climb – we have specific information you need for your favourite activity – find them here.

Get some of our helpful books and flyers

We have free pamphlets, books and equipment to help you find out more information about avalanche safety in New Zealand from our online store and resources page (pre-searching avalanche).

Attend an avalanche awareness course

Find a course provider in your area to help you learn the essential skills to help you up in the snow courses page.